Books About Self-reliance · 125 titles considered

The Best Self-reliance Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about self-reliance? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Self-reliance

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1997

Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine · Book #1 in the Ella Enchanted series

A cursed girl must obey every command. Can she break free?

Newbery Honor (1998)

304 pages· 53,087 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 426,829 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Ella of Frell is cursed with obedience, forced to follow any command, no matter how dangerous. Determined to reclaim her freedom, she embarks on a daring quest through a world of ogres, giants, and wicked stepsisters. As she navigates this treacherous path, Ella must outwit those who would exploit her curse and discover her true self. Will she find a way to break the spell and live on her own terms, or will the curse dictate her fate forever? Dive into this enchanting tale of courage and resilience.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1967

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

By E.L. Konigsburg

A young girl runs away from home with her brother to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Newbery Medal (1968)

172 pages· 30,922 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 221,704 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Claudia plans the perfect escape to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dragging her thrifty brother Jamie along. But their adventure takes a twist when they stumble upon a mysterious statue. Determined to uncover its secrets, Claudia faces a challenge that could alter her perspective forever. Can they solve the mystery and find their way back home?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell, Ted Lewin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Island of the Blue Dolphins series

Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.

Newbery Medal (1961)

177 pages· 40,023 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 354,151 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: On a remote island off California, Karana faces the ultimate test of survival. Alone for eighteen years, she must fend off wild dogs, evade hunters, and secure food. Her journey transforms isolation into a tale of resilience and spirit. Can she find strength in solitude, or will the island's challenges prove too great? Discover the haunting adventure of courage and self-reliance in this timeless classic.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1959

My Side of the Mountain

By Jean Craighead George · Book #1 in the My Side of the Mountain series

A boy escapes city life for mountain solitude, discovering hidden strengths.

Newbery Honor (1960)

177 pages· 39,679 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 87,499 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Sam Gribley flees his cramped New York City apartment for the wild mountains, seeking solitude but finding unexpected challenges. As he navigates the dangers of nature, Sam uncovers a resilience he never knew he possessed. Will he thrive in the wilderness or be forced to return to the life he left behind?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2015

Harriet the Invincible (Graphic Novel)

By Ursula Vernon · Hamster Princess series

A princess must find a prince to break a sleeping curse cast on her family.

256 pages· 16,096 words· Est. 3 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,358 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Harriet Hamsterbone isn't your average princess. Cursed to fall asleep on her twelfth birthday, she revels in her invincibility, embarking on daring adventures with her riding quail, Mumfrey. But as her birthday looms, the curse takes an unforeseen turn, forcing Harriet to confront a new reality. Can she find a way to break the spell, or will her adventurous spirit be her undoing? Dive into a world where princesses defy expectations and curses lead to unexpected journeys.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2017

Eliza and Her Monsters

By Francesca Zappia

An online creator's secret identity is exposed, threatening her world and newfound offline connections.

420 pages· 76,968 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 65,601 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Summary: Eliza Mirk, a shy teen, secretly runs a famous webcomic. Her online world is perfect until Wallace, a new student, challenges her to embrace real life. When her identity is revealed, Eliza's carefully crafted world unravels, risking her art, friendships, and sanity. Can she find balance between her digital fame and the real world?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1990

Dealing with Dragons

By Patricia C. Wrede · Book #1 in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles series

A rebellious princess seeks adventure with a powerful dragon, facing magical dangers and unexpected allies.

208 pages· 50,352 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 95,094 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Princess Cimorene defies royal expectations by fleeing to live with Kazul, a formidable dragon. Her quest for excitement leads her into a whirlwind of magical encounters, including a witch, a jinn, and a talking bird with deadly intentions. As she navigates these challenges, Cimorene must outwit oily wizards and a mysterious stone prince. Will her thirst for adventure bring triumph or peril? Discover a world where a princess's courage defies tradition and danger lurks at every turn.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Tuesdays at the Castle

By Jessica Day George · Tuesdays at the Castle series

A castle changes, a kingdom in peril, a princess must save it.

256 pages· 50,090 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 23,819 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Princess Celie loves Tuesdays when Castle Glower magically transforms, adding new rooms and secrets. But when her parents, the king and queen, vanish after an ambush, Celie must use her unique knowledge of the castle's shifting halls to protect her home and rescue her family. Can she navigate the castle's mysteries and save the kingdom before it's too late?

Sale price

$1710

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1905

A Little Princess

By Frances Hodgson Burnett, Anna Bond (Illustrator)

A wealthy girl becomes a pauper at boarding school. Can kindness be her true wealth?

294 pages· 66,117 words· Est. 9 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 334,462 ratings

$18.00Save 5%

Summary: Sara Crewe's world shatters when she loses her father, transforming her from a privileged student to a penniless orphan at Miss Minchin's boarding school. Stripped of luxury, she faces a harsh new reality in the attic. As she navigates this challenging life, Sara must discover if kindness and generosity can be her true riches. Will her spirit endure, or will adversity break her? Dive into a tale of resilience and hope, where the heart's wealth is tested against life's trials.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 2005

Princess Academy

By Shannon Hale · Book #1 in the Princess Academy series

A mountain girl faces a contest to become a princess, risking her home and heart.

Newbery Honor (2006)

336 pages· 63,336 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 123,250 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Miri, a mountain girl, is thrust into a contest to become the prince's bride. At a strict academy, she faces fierce competition and a stern mistress. As she uncovers hidden talents and deep ties to her homeland, Miri must decide if winning means losing everything she holds dear. Will she choose the crown or her cherished mountain life?

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Self-reliance Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about self-reliance for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$999

A Little Princess

Ages 2–6 · 2017

Discover friendship in unexpected places with a classic tale's charm.

Sale price

$795

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?

Ages 2–6 · 2003

A mother answers her child's questions about what princesses do.

Sale price

$799

Princess Baby, Night-Night

Ages 0–3 · 2009

A little princess resists bedtime with endless tasks. Will she ever sleep?

Sale price

$499

I Can

Ages 0–3 · 1986

A baby discovers the joy of movement and creativity.

Sale price

$1099

The Princess and the Dragon

Ages 5–8 · 2003

A princess and a dragon swap roles, sparking chaos.

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Browse by age

Self-reliance Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about self-reliance for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1799

Interstellar Cinderella

Ages 3–5 · 2015

A girl dreams of fixing rockets and must save a prince's ship in distress.

Sale price

$1799

Cinder Edna

Ages 4–8 · 1994

Two girls, two paths: who finds true happiness without magic?

Sale price

$1799

Dangerously Ever After

Ages 5–8 · 2012

A daring princess faces unexpected challenges when mysterious seeds grow into something bizarre.

Sale price

$899

Fanny's Dream

Ages 5–8 · 1996

A farm girl dreams of a prince, but destiny has other plans.

Sale price

$2195

The Paper Bag Princess

Ages 4–8 · 1980

A princess rescues her prince from a dragon.

Sale price

$1699

The Worst Princess

Ages 3–7 · 2013

A princess defies tradition, seeking adventure over a prince's rescue.

Sale price

$1299

Mighty Mila

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A determined girl tackles big kid challenges alone. Can she prove her might without help?

Sale price

$1299

I Knew You Could!

Ages 3–7 · 2003

A little engine inspires graduates to embrace new beginnings with determination.

Sale price

$1799

I Am the Storm

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Face nature's fury with resilience and awe. Discover your power.

Sale price

$1799

The Wind May Blow

Ages 3–7 · 2021

A child's journey through life's storms reveals their inner strength.

Sale price

$599

All by Myself

Ages 4–8 · 1983

A young critter learns independence through everyday tasks, with charming mishaps along the way.

Sale price

$1799

Say Something!

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Discover the power of your voice to change the world. Speak up and make a difference today.

View all self-reliance picture books

Browse by age

Self-reliance Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about self-reliance for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1099

A Step from Heaven

Ages 12–18 · 2001

A Korean girl navigates cultural clashes and family turmoil in America, seeking her own identity.

Sale price

$899

Fever 1793

Ages 11–15 · 2000

A deadly fever engulfs 1793 Philadelphia, forcing a young girl to flee and survive.

Sale price

$595

Everything on a Waffle

Ages 10–14 · 2001

An 11-year-old's unwavering hope leads her on a journey of discovery after her parents vanish at sea.

Sale price

$799

The Summer of the Swans

Ages 9–13 · 1970

Sara's search for her missing brother leads her to confront her fears and unexpected alliances.

Sale price

$799

The Two Princesses of Bamarre

Ages 8–12 · 2001

A timid princess faces monsters to save her sister and kingdom.

Sale price

$1299

The Four-Story Mistake

Ages 8–12 · 1942

A family moves to a quirky house, uncovering unexpected adventures in the countryside.

Sale price

$899

Air

Ages 10–14 · 2022

A mishap threatens Emmie's wheelchair motocross dreams. Can she reclaim her independence?

Sale price

$1099

The Dragon Defenders

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Can two brothers protect their island's dragons from a ruthless villain's grasp?

Sale price

$994

The Value of Believing in Yourself

Ages 5–11 · 1975

A scientist's belief in germs leads to a groundbreaking cure.

Sale price

$1399

Save Rafe!

Ages 10–13 · 2014

Survive a wild outdoor adventure or face being held back a year. Can he make it through?

Sale price

$799

Cabin on Trouble Creek

Ages 8–12 · 2004

Two brothers face a harsh winter alone. Can they survive the wilderness?

Sale price

$1999

Eli Over Easy

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Eli finds solace in his late mom's cooking videos, but what happens when they end?

View all self-reliance chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about self-reliant princesses Books about runaways Books about survival stories Books about cinderella stories Books about competition Books about coping with death Books about enchanted places Books about family life

Our 10 Favorite Books About Self-reliance

Great books, picked for their age.

Self-reliance Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Self-reliance Picture Books

Self-reliance Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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